A parasite that worries the European authorities quickly approaches the borders of Portugal, especially with Spain. Its expansion has been registered in various regions of the continent, raising an alert sign for the protection of local ecosystems.
A parasite that threatens the bees
It is the tropilaelaps Mercedesae, an mite that affects bees, responsible for a disease known as tropilaelasosis.
According to the Italian Fountain Agro Notizie, specialized laboratories in apicial health and mites have confirmed the presence of this parasite in Eastern European countries, such as Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Tajikistan and Ukraine.
Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has published a technical record for this pathology. According to this institution, cited by the same source, the disease develops in about a week and mites can be found in both offspring and adult bees.
The parasite has a very fast life cycle, which facilitates its propagation. The ability to multiply quickly makes it especially dangerous for colonies as it can have a significant impact in a short time.
What is tropilalaelasosis?
Tropilaelaelasis is a disease that has been identified in Asia and is now spreading around Europe. As experts indicate, this condition can have serious consequences for bee colonies, although the details of their impact are still being deepened.
In addition, this disease aggravates problems already known in beekeeping, such as varroose, caused by the varroa destructive mite. The combination of these parasites can further compromise bees health.
Tropilaelaelasis control is complex and requires careful follow -up as available treatments are not yet fully effective in all situations.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Detecting the presence of Tropilaelaps Mercedesae is not a simple task, as initial symptoms can be confused with those of varroose, another common disease in European bees.
According to Agro Notizie, infected bees exhibit signs such as weakness, shortened abdomen, as well as damaged wings and paws.
This similarity requires a careful surveillance to ensure a correct diagnosis and avoid delays in disease control.
Early detection is critical to minimizing damage and preventing parasite dispersion between different colonies.
Expansion and risks to Europe
The rapid expansion of Tropilaelas Mercedesae in eastern Europe generates concern in health authorities, which follow the situation with rigor to prevent its entry and propagation in Western European countries, namely Portugal.
International cooperation, information sharing, and implementation of prevention measures are considered fundamental to lock the dissemination of this parasite and protect European beekeeping.
According to, experts also recommend the adoption of good practices by beekeepers, including constant monitoring of the colonies and the adoption of rigorous hygiene protocols.
Given the importance of bees for pollination and the balance of ecosystems, the threat of this parasite is seen as an urgent challenge to the entire European agricultural and environmental community.
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